Device for applying a load to exercise equipment

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for applying a load to an exercise equipment (1) comprising driving means (2), control means (3) adapted to control the driving means (2), attachment means (4) adapted to attach the device to the exercise equipment (1), and connection means (5) connecting the driving means (2) to the attachment means (4), wherein the device comprises a load sensor (6), wherein the load sensor (6) is adapted to measure the load applied to the exercise equipment (1) by the driving means (2), and wherein the load sensor (6) is connected to the control means (3). The invention further relates to a system and a method.

The present invention relates to a device for applying a load to an exercise equipment, a system comprising the device and exercise equipment as well as to a method for operating the device of the invention.

Exercise equipment, in particular exercise equipment for exercise physical strength is known in the art. One exemplary example is a barbell. Barbells typically comprise a long bar with weights attached to both ends of the bar. Such barbells can be used in different training activities, which usually involve lifting them up to a certain extent. Classical barbells without any further technical adaptations provide the same load profile during lifting and bringing them down again. This load profile is essentially solely determined by the weight of the barbell.

However, for some training applications it has been found advantageous to provide a dynamic load profile. A dynamic load profile essentially designates any alteration of the load exerted to a user during an exercise. Such dynamic load profiles have shown to improve effectiveness of training and to specifically target certain muscle areas.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a user a dynamic load profile during exercise, in particular when performing physical strength exercise. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a load profile that simulates natural conditions in the best possible way. In the context of a barbell this in particular means that a feeling should be created as if the weight of the barbell was increased and/or decreased gradually over the course of one exercise cycle.

In the present invention it has been found that this object can in particular be solved using a device according to the independent patent claim.

A further object of the present invention may be the provision of a portable device for applying a load that can be attached to existing exercise equipment.

A device of the present invention may comprise a driving means, a control means, an attachment means, and a connection means. The driving means may be adapted to exert a certain force to an exercise equipment via the connection means. The connection means may be attached to the exercise equipment using an attachment means, which attachment means may be embodied in any suitable way for an exercise equipment.

In a particular embodiment where the exercise equipment is a barbell, the attachment means may be a hook or the like, optionally equipped with a securing means in order to prevent unintentional disconnection of the device and the barbell.

The driving means may be controlled by a control means. The control means may for example be embodied as microcontroller, computer or any other suitable control device. The control means may for example be an electronic control unit.

The device may comprise a load sensor in order to measure the load applied to the exercise equipment by the driving means. The load sensor may be connected to the control means and optionally a closed-loop control of the driving means is provided based on the load measured by the load sensor.

The load sensor may be a strain gauge attached to a section of the connection means. The load sensor may as well be a non-physical installation. The load sensor may for example be a soft sensor, measuring parameters of the driving means suitable for determination of the load. The load sensor may be any means suitable for measuring the load applied to an exercise device. The load sensor may also be adjusted to measure the load indirectly, for example by means of the torque applied by the driving means.

The device of the invention may comprise two separate driving means and two separate connection means. This is in particular suitable when the exercise equipment is a barbell. In this case, the connection means can be connected to two sides of the exercise equipment. If two connection means are provided, it is preferred that two attachment means are provided as well.

If the device comprises more than one driving means and more than one connection means, only one control device may be provided. Alternatively, also more than one control device may be provided.

The first driving means may be provided in a first load unit and the second driving means may be provided in a second load unit. The load units may be separate building parts or units without mechanical connection. This makes transportation of the device easier, as no bulky support structures have to be provided.

The load units may have a weight that is high enough that the units are not lifted up during the exercise. In particular each load unit may have a weight of more than 50 kg, optionally of more than 100 kg. The load units may comprise weight elements to provide the required weight.

The load units may be provided with a handle. The load units may also be provided with rollers and/or wheels. These features will allow easier transport of the device of the present invention, which is particularly useful in cases where the device has a high weight.

The load units may also be provided with fastening means, such as openings for bolts or screws, so that the load units may be fastened to a surface.

The load units may also be connected to each other using a fixing element. The fixing element may provide a mechanical connection between the load units, such that the relative position of the load units to each other is stable. The fixing element may be detachable from the load units, so portability of the device is increased.

In a particular embodiment the fixing element may be a base plate, which may be adapted for a user to stand on. This way, a self-supplying stabilization may be provided and no heavy weight elements will be required. A weight element or a part of the exercise equipment may also be placed on the base plate for stabilization.

If two separate load units are provided, the device may comprise data transfer means to establish a communication between the units. The data transfer means may be based on any suitable basis, preferably the data transfer means is based on a wireless data transfer protocol. Alternatively, the data transfer means may also be provided by a cable connection.

The connection means may be provided as an essentially non-flexible elongate part, such as a rope, a band, a wire or the like. Preferable, the connection means is at least partly elastic. Thus, the connection means may comprise an elastic element. The elasticity helps to improve the natural feel of the exercise. The elastic element may be embodied as a rubber element and/or as a spring element.

The driving means may comprise a guide rail and a trolley which is guided on the guide rail. In order to improve the natural feel of the exercise, it may be preferred that the exercise equipment is always at a certain position in relation to the user.

For example, if the exercise equipment is a barbell used in a bench press exercise, i.e., the user is lying on their back pushing the barbell up, it is desirable if the load vector is always directed at an essentially 90° angle towards the ground. This should apply even if the user alters their position.

In order to keep the desired angle, the trolley may be moved along the guide rail. For this, a trolley drive may be provided, which is controlled for example by the control means. A tilt sensor may be provided, possibly in the form of a gyroscope, which tilt sensor is connected to the control means. The control means may adjust the position of the trolley based on the data received from the tilt sensor. The tilt sensor may be placed on the attachment means, on the connection means or at any other position suitable for measuring the tilt.

The control means in connection with the trolley drive may be adapted to select any suitable or desired tilt. Also tilt values differing from 90° may be desirable for special exercise purposes.

Alternatively, the trolley may be freely sliding on the slide rail, which may provide the trolley to be self-adjusting.

The trolley may also be fixable in a certain position relative to the guide rail. For this, fixing means may be provided. In one embodiment the fixing means may comprise a number of bores or holes along the guide rail with a corresponding bolt for mechanical fixation of the trolley.

The connection means may be guided from the driving means to the trolley and further to the attachment means. Guide elements may be provided to guide the connection means into the desired directions.

Means for alternating the free length of the connection means may be provided. For example the connection means can be rolled onto a drive shaft, such that the free length is reduced. In turn, the free length can be increased when the connection means in rolled off from the drive shaft. Other means for alternating the free length of the connection means are possible. Generally, the free length determines the maximum distance between the exercise equipment and the device. During an exercise, reduction of the free length will usually result in an increased force.

The free length may be measured using a length sensor.

The present invention may further relate to a system and/or an arrangement comprising a device according to the invention and an exercise equipment. The exercise equipment may be a barbell.

The present invention further relates to a method for operating a device of the invention. The present invention also relates to a method for operating a system and/or an arrangement of the invention.

The method generally may comprise a step of adjusting the load exerted to an exercise equipment. The load may be adjusted in any suitable way. Preferably, the exerted load is based on a dynamic load profile. A dynamic load profile may refer to a load profile in which the load is dependent upon the position of an exercise equipment during an exercise cycle.

For example, if the exercise equipment is a barbell, no load may be applied when the user lifts the barbell up, but an additional load may be applied when the user lowers the barbell again.

The method may comprise several steps. A first step may comprise moving the exercise equipment to a first use position. The first use position may for example be the lowest position of an exercise cycle.

A second step may comprise moving the exercise equipment from the first use position to a second use position. The second use position may for example be the position where the user has fully lifted a barbell, i.e., where the arms are essentially straight.

This particularly may be the highest position in an exercise cycle. In particular embodiments, the first use position also may be the position where the user has fully lifted a barbell, whereas the second use position may be the position where the user has fully lowered a barbell.

The distance the exercise equipment has travelled between the first and second use positions may be determined in the method of the present invention. The travel distance may for example be determined by means of the length sensor. The travel distance may also be determined by means of any other sensor, for example by an optical sensor. The travel distance of the exercise equipment may particularly be determined continuously over the method of the present invention.

Also the first use position and the second use position may be determined by means of a length sensor. The same length sensor can be used for determining the travel distance.

In a third step of the method, the exercise equipment may be again moved to the first use position. In case of a barbell, this means that the barbell is lowered again. The load can be applied to the exercise equipment in any of the above steps.

A suitable alteration of the applied load may increase training efficiency.

Moving the exercise equipment from a first use position to a second use position and back to a first use position may be referred to as an exercise cycle. The first, second and third steps of the inventive method may be repeated multiple times, e.g., more than 2, 3, 4, or 5 times, in order to make up an exercise set, wherein the exercise set particularly comprises multiple exercise cycles.

The load applied to the exercise equipment over an exercise cycle may be inconstant. The load applied to the exercise equipment during one of the above-described steps or the method may be inconstant. In particular, the load applied to the exercise equipment during the third step of the method may be inconstant.

Load may be applied to the exercise equipment in particular when the exercise equipment is moved from the second use position to the first use position and/or from the first use position to the second use position. The load applied to the exercise equipment may vary over the travel distance of the equipment.

The present invention may relate to different modes of operation of the method and/or the device.

The method of the present invention may comprise

-   -   moving the exercise equipment to a first use position,     -   moving the exercise equipment to a second use position,

wherein the travel distance and/or the travel speed of the exercise equipment between the first use position and the second use position is determined,

and wherein load is applied to the exercise equipment using the driving means of the device.

In one embodiment, load may be applied when the exercise equipment is moved from the first use position to the second use position. In this embodiment, the applied load may be constant from the first use position to the second use position. The applied load may also increase from the first use position to the second use position as a function of the travel distance. The applied load may also decrease from the first use position to the second use position as a function of the travel distance. The applied load may also follow other regimes between the first use position and the second use position, such as increase from the first use position to a maximum position between the first use position and the second use position and then decrease from the maximum position to the second use position.

In one example, the additional load applied by the driving means may be 0 kg in the first use position with a linear increase over the travel distance up to approx. 20 kg in the second use position.

In one embodiment, load may be applied when the exercise equipment is moved from the second use position to the first use position. In this embodiment, the applied load may be constant from the second use position to the first use position. The applied load may also increase from the second use position to the first use position as a function of the travel distance. The applied load may also decrease from the second use position to the first use position as a function of the travel distance.

In one example, the additional load applied by the driving means may be approx. 40 kg in the second use position with a linear decrease or as a constant load over the travel distance to 0 kg in the first use position.

This may enable an eccentric training, leading to an optimized muscle loading for increased training efficiency.

In one embodiment, load may be applied by the driving means on at least one discrete stop position between the first use position and the second use position. This can be performed when moving from the first use position to the second use position and/or when moving from the second use position to the first use position. In particular, load can be applied on 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 stop positions along the travel distance. The stop positions may be determined manually or automatically prior to the actual exercise, for example in a calibration or setting step.

The applied load may be held at the stop positions for a certain amount of time, for example between 1 and 10 seconds.

This will create certain load points along the travel distance. This way, the muscular motor units may be activated more efficiently.

In one embodiment, load may be applied when the exercise equipment is moved from the second use position to the first use position and/or from the second use position to the first use position. In this embodiment, a travel speed may be determined by the device of the present invention. The applied load or load profile may be adapted to the travel speed. The applied load or load profile may be adapted to the difference of travel speed within one and/or between two or more exercise cycles.

For example, the load may be decreased as the travel speed reduces significantly over a defined travel distance in the course of multiple subsequent exercised or exercise cycles. This way, muscular hypertrophy can be increased.

The method may further comprise a calibration procedure. In the calibration procedure, the first to third of the above-described steps may be repeated multiple times, in order to determine the correct travel distance, as well as the first use position and the second use position. Additionally, a resting position differing from the first and second use positions may be determined. A mean value may be calculated from different measurements. Determination of the travelling distance as well as of the use positions is desirable as it can differ between users, for example due to different body height or arm length. The travel distance may also depend on the certain exercise that is executed by a user.

In addition to the calibration procedure, the travel speed and/or the travel distance data may be logged when the user exercises at maximal or submaximal loads without and/or little load applied from the driving means. In a regular exercise cycle then the applied load or load profile may be inconstant over the travel distance according to the previous logged data to strengthen the weak points in a movement.

The travelling distance as well as the first and second use positions may also be measured and adjusted during a normal exercise cycle, for example to account for positional changes of the user between different sets of an exercise.

The invention optionally relates to a device for applying a load to an exercise equipment. The device optionally comprises driving means, control means adapted to control the driving means, attachment means adapted to attach the device to the exercise equipment, and connection means connecting the driving means to the attachment means.

Optionally it is provided that the device comprises a load sensor, wherein the load sensor is adapted to measure the load applied to the exercise equipment by the driving means, and wherein the load sensor is connected to the control means.

Optionally it is provided that the device comprises two driving means, two connection means, and optionally two attachment means.

Optionally it is provided that a first driving means is provided in a first load unit, and that a second driving means is provided in a second load unit, wherein the first load unit and the second load unit are separate from each other.

Optionally it is provided that each load unit has a weight of more than 40 kg, preferably of more than 100 kg, and/or that each load unit is provided with fastening means for fastening the drive element to a surface.

Optionally it is provided that each connection means is provided with a load sensor.

Optionally it is provided that the first and second load units each comprise a data transfer unit, adapted to send and/or receive data to/from the data transfer unit of the other load unit. Optionally it is provided that the data transfer units are operable by means of a wireless data transfer protocol or that data transfer units are connected by means of a wired connection.

Optionally it is provided that the first load unit and the second load unit are mechanically connected to each other by means of a fixing element. Optionally it is provided that the fixing element is embodied in the form of a base plate, in particular adapted for a user to stand on.

Optionally it is provided that the device, in particular each load unit, comprises at least one rolling element, particularly a wheel, and at least one grip element, particularly a handle.

Optionally it is provided that the connection means comprises an elastic element, in particular a rubber element, or a spring element.

Optionally it is provided that the driving means comprises a guide rail and a trolley movable along the guide rail, wherein the connection means is guided from the driving means to the attachment means via the trolley. Optionally it is provided that the trolley comprises a trolley drive, wherein the trolley drive is operable by the control means. Optionally it is provided that the trolley is freely movable along the guide rail. Optionally it is provided that the trolley is fixable along the guide rail by fastening means.

Optionally it is provided that the device comprises a tilt sensor adapted to determine the tilt of the attachment means, wherein the tilt sensor is connected to the control means.

Optionally it is provided that the control means is adapted to control the position of the trolley via the trolley drive based on the data received from the tilt sensor.

Optionally it is provided that the driving means is adapted to adjust the free length of the connection means by winding the connection means over a drive shaft and/or by unwinding the connection means from the drive shaft.

Optionally it is provided that the device comprises at least one guide means for guiding the connection means, wherein the guide means preferably is a guide roller.

Optionally it is provided that the device comprises a length sensor adapted to measure a free length of the connection means.

Optionally it is provided that the length sensor is adapted for measurement of the free length of the connection means by one or more of the following parameters: diameter of a rope, diameter of a drive shaft, steps and/or rotations of the driving means.

Optionally it is provided that the length sensor is a resistive mechanical length sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a torque sensor, or a height sensor.

Optionally it is provided that the load sensor and the length sensor are provided in one sensor element.

The invention may further relate to a system comprising a device of the invention and an exercise equipment. The exercise equipment may be selected from one or more of the following: barbell; harness, such as hip belt, upper body belt, foot belt, wrist belt; an exercise device, such as a plate loaded machine and/or any kind of cable pulley type machine.

The invention may further relate to a method of operating a device, wherein the method optionally comprises the following steps:

-   -   controlling driving means by a control means,     -   measuring the load exerted by a driving means to an exercise         equipment by a load sensor during an exercise cycle.

Optionally it is provided that the exercise cycle comprises the following steps:

-   -   moving the exercise equipment to a first use position,     -   moving the exercise equipment to a second use position.

The first use position, the second use position and the travel distance of the exercise equipment between the first use position and the second use position may be determined.

Optionally it is provided that a resting position of the exercise equipment is determined. The resting position may for example be a position where the exercise equipment is not in use.

Optionally it is provided that the exercise cycle further comprises the following step: moving the exercise equipment over the travel distance back to a first use position.

Optionally it is provided that load is applied to the exercise equipment by the driving means when moving the exercise equipment from the first use position to the second use position and/or that load is applied to the exercise equipment by the driving means when moving the exercise equipment from the second use position to the first use position.

Optionally it is provided that the load applied over the course of the exercise cycle is inconstant.

Optionally it is provided that the applied load is constant or is constantly decreasing over the travel distance from the second use position to the first use position. Optionally it is provided that the applied load is constantly increasing over the travel distance from the second use position to the first use position. Optionally it is provided that the applied load has one or more maximum values over the travel distance between the second use position and the first use position. Optionally it is provided that load is only applied over parts of the travel distance.

Optionally it is provided that the method comprises a calibration step, wherein in the calibration step the first use position, the second use position and the travel distance are determined particularly by means of free length and/or travel speed over time.

Optionally it is provided that in the calibration step the exercise equipment is moved from the first use position to the second use position and back to the first use position one time multiple times without applying load to the exercise equipment, wherein a mean value is calculated from the measured travel distances, the first use position and the second use position.

Optionally it is provided that in the calibration step, the connection means of the device is tensioned.

Optionally it is provided that in the calibration step, the exercise equipment is moved from the first use position to the second use position and back to the first use position at least five times.

Optionally it is provided that the method comprises a calibration procedure in which travel speed and travel distance are measured and logged when the user exercises at maximal or submaximal loads.

Optionally it is provided that the travel distance, the first use position, the second use position, and optionally the resting position, is measured using a length sensor of the device.

Optionally it is provided that the travel speed from the first use position to the second use position and/or from the second use position to the first use position is determined.

Optionally it is provided that the applied load is adjusted based on the travel speed of the exercise equipment and/or based on anthropometric measurements of the user, parameters of the exercise itself and/or the free length of the connection means.

In this description the term “applied load” and any derivatives thereof refer to a load that is additionally applied to an exercise equipment by means of a device of the present invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, two motor control units are provided to control the resistance and therefore the load which pulls the barbell to the ground. An athlete may stand under the barbell, performing for example squats as an exercise. When rotating the shafts through the engines which are controlled by the electronic control unit, the ropes wrap around the shafts like a cable winch and tension is supplied to the resistance bands. Therefore a load is pulling, through the load cells, which are attached to the collars on to the barbell. The outcome is a resistance which can be dynamically controlled through the electronic control unit at every phase of the movement with any load at any time and at any time and at any point. The power and the size of the motor and the chopper may determine the maximum load which can be generated.

The motor control units itself can be bolted to the ground or weighted so that the load can be applied well to the barbell. To produce enough self-weight the housing and the mechanics could be executed with heavy material, e.g., thick steel plates or lead, or the mechanics could have holding-fixtures to put standard gym weight plates on.

They can also be mechanically directly mounted to a rack or any other machine where it should be used. It would also possible to connect the two motor units mechanically together, so that the units are parallel and on the same height, for the reason that the bar is loaded on both sides equally.

The resistance rubber bands are not necessary, but could dampen the system. If only a rope, or instead of a rope a wire rope, would be used there may be not the same feeling for the user as with a damping element. It is also possible to attach only resistance rubber bands or only expander cable/ropes, which has the same qualities as the rubber bands, without any ropes. Furthermore tension springs can also be used to supply constant tension instead of the rubber bands, but they have to be attached with some rope to function properly.

In an embodiment it may also be provided that a wire rope is attached to the load cell. This wire rope is spring loaded and serves the length sensor to determine the exact position of the barbell which is preferable for further functions of the device. Instead of the resistive mechanical length sensor with a wire rope other length or positional sensors may be employed. For example, the barbell position could be measured through optical, capacitive or inductive sensors. Also, any height sensor could be used. Knowing the exact position of the barbell is beneficial for smooth and consistent control. Also, an accelerometer can be used to measure barbell position. Furthermore, a torque sensor attached to the motor could be used to calculate the position of the barbell through rope, shaft diameter and rotations of the shaft. The sensor could also calculate the applied downforce, instead of using a load cell, by means of the applied torque. However, it would not be providing that accurate data as the load cell itself does.

Top, bottom and resting position, as well as the actual position in the movement, should be known to load the barbell at the right time and to create dynamically loaded curves. These positions are also preferably known to calculate and measure optimized strength curves and other programs. The top, bottom and resting position can be detected through a calibration process, which is beneficial so that the system can act very accurate and fast to apply tension to the barbell.

A first calibration process may follow these steps. The calibration step is preferably carried out before training, for each user separately, and can be seen as a warm up:

-   -   Before the user begins with the training, the system is attached         to the barbell (in a resting position).     -   Then the user performs several reps with the desired range of         motion of the movement, to get the top and bottom position (via         mean value calculation).     -   Then the mean value of the length between top and bottom         position is calculated, which is necessary for the in-movement         calibration.     -   The top, bottom, resting and length between top and bottom         position for the calibration process have been determined now.

The second calibration (in-movement calibration) process follows these steps and runs always during working sets.

-   -   The top position of each set is calibrated before or within         first repetition (depending which exercise is executed. Squats         normally have a starting position at the top. Deadlifts has a         starting position at bottom). This is done through barbell speed         movement, length and timing.     -   As soon as the top position is calibrated, the bottom position         is automatically calculated from the parameter (length between         top and bottom position) of the first calibration process.

The in-movement calibration is beneficial so that if a user does not have the same starting position as in calibration process the system still works accurate and fast. For example, in calibration process the user had a closer starting position to the rack (for example squats) as in the first working set. Then the top and bottom positions would be different and the system would not work perfectly.

It could be also a possibility to determine top and bottom position always during movement (first rep, or several reps). The only problem would be that the system cannot act as fast and accurate as with first and second calibration process together because the positions are determined via barbell speed, direction and timing. It could be also possible to only determine the positions via first calibration process, but then the user always has to take up the same position as in calibration process.

There are possibilities to save calibration configurations for next time. It is also possible that several users train at the same time. The display automatically or manually will guide which user has to move on for the next set and how the calibration process is done.

A gyroscope sensor could also be used to measure the tilt of the load cell, to control an electromechanical mechanism (so that the shaft, where the rope is mounted can be moved in linear (x,y axis) position), so that the barbell is always loaded vertically. This would be preventing shear forces, so that the movement would be as natural as without the system. There are also pure mechanically ways to retain such a freely movable trolley. Sometimes it may also be needed that the force, which is applied to the barbell, is not vertical but with an angle that does not equal essentially 90° in relation to the ground. For example, for technique training in some exercises like bench pressing or deadlifting, which will engage other needed muscle groups only when there is not a straight vertically downforce. In the present drawings the shafts are placed directly under the barbell so that there are essentially no shear forces, which are indeed dependent on how long the shafts are and how close the barbell stays within the shaft framing. The system in of this embodiment may be a setup with a motor driven sliding carriage to take care of vertical down force in the movement.

The load cells may be attached via cable to the electronic control unit and serve as an input. Another input for the electronic control unit may be the length sensor which provides data for the position of the barbell as well as acceleration, speed and length of the movement. The electronic control unit then may directly be connected to the two power output stages, so that the engines can be controlled properly. One electronic control unit may control two motors. To do that the two motor control units are communicating. It also would be possible to have two standalone motor control units whereupon a second length sensor must not be used in each, because the two units could communicate wirelessly. A tethered connection between the two motor control units may also be established. A wireless communication is preferable so that cable break could not play a possible cause for system failure.

With the display and the pushbuttons of the control unit, the user can adjust many parameters and also begin and stop the training session safely. Instead of the pushbuttons a touchscreen or/and in addition a pushbutton encoder or pushbutton or switch may be provided. Furthermore, it is also possible to control the system via remote control to adjust parameters or control it manually. The switch is used to turn on the whole system, so that the control unit and the power output stages are supplied with energy.

Additionally a clutch and flanged bearings may be provided. There is a wide variety of mechanical constructions possible.

In another embodiment, the left motor control unit is divided in into one left drive unit and one left control unit, which both have different housings. In the middle there may be a sliding carriage, for the purpose to have always a vertical down force through a pulley on the barbell. But the sliding carriage can be also adjusted to fixed positions, if shear forces are favored for the movement to engage specific muscle groups. The height of the sliding carriage and pulley is so low that deadlifts with standard Olympic plates can be done from the floor, i.e., tension from the invention can be applied from the floor. The components in the two housings are connected electrically via cable through the hollow section of the carriage profile. The load cell sensor left is now mounted into the control unit left where the rope left is attached to it to measure force. The motor left applies tension to the pulley, which is executed as a double purchase pulley, and therefore to the load cell through the rope. The length sensor detects the position of the barbell through the wire rope which is mounted on to the pulley and gives exact position. The control unit is also mounted into the control unit left. The setup of the system on the right side is the same as on left side but only without the length sensor (but it could be also with a second length sensor to provide more accurate data or for safety purpose).

In one exemplary setup there may be two control units, one in the left control unit and the other one in the right control unit; they will be communicating together via wireless or tethered connection.

There may be three components on each side which are mechanically connected: the drive unit, the control unit, and the sliding carriage. In this setup the installation would be time intensive and it would not be easily possible to change the place, independently if it is bolted or not. To do that, all components mentioned above (which would have the same functionality) could be mounted together on one plate with one housing. It may be provided as a big long box with a slot on the top side (for the cable output from the sliding carriage), a handle on the right side, and two rollers on the left side. Now it would be portable and easy to move. With enough weight from the housing there would no need to bolt it to the ground and it could be easily moved with the handle and the rollers. The device could be portable like a weight bench in commercial gyms.

It has to be mentioned that the system cannot only be used in barbell exercising or training machines but also in bodyweight exercises to provide later described programs. This is done by using a hip belt, upper body belt, foot belt, wrist belt or any other harness which are equipped with a carabiner where the invention can be attached on. For example, the system can create a dynamic load in weighted pull ups where a hip belt is used. Also squats with hip belt can be an option, where the athlete is elevated over the motor control unit. There are a wide variety of exercising possibilities (all in which any belts or harness where the system can be attached to) where later described programs could play an important role. Furthermore, the system can be used in sports specific movement, as for sprinting where the invention applies dynamic load throughout the distance (depends on how long the wire rope or rope is). Even in climbing sport the system could provide dynamic load to raise training results, where it is attached to the climbing harness. It would also be possible to attach the system to a sled to provide dynamic load. The device could be an important training tool for sports like bobsledding. It can also be used to support sports specific training for track cyclists to for example create dynamic load for sprint starting. The system can be attached to the cyclist or to the bicycle to apply the forces.

In all mentioned configuration possibilities, it is possible to use one or more motor control units to get the dynamic load applied. A possible modus will employ more than one motor control unit. If more than one unit will be applied to the same carabiner but positioned differently (for example one in rear and the other in front or one on the left side and the other on the right side) forces can lead to promote instability training. This can be an effective way in rehabilitation or in regular training to require stabilizing muscles from the user/athlete. What is also an interesting option is to use two units to apply two ways of dynamic load. One has to imagine the exercise “nordic hamstring curls” where one unit is placed in the front while the other is placed in the back. Both units may be applied to the upper body harness carabiner. Now the user/athlete can be supported in the eccentric phase where resistance can be loaded dynamically from the unit in the back to reduce for example the upper body weight (so make this phase easier). More than the upper body weight in the concentric phase may be required when the unit in the front is active and tries to pull the athlete to the ground (to make this phase more difficult).

As mentioned above, in the beginning every barbell exercise can be controlled with the prescribed invention to get dynamic resistance possibilities. The device of the invention cannot only be attached to barbells, but also on every plate loaded machine. It even can be attached to cable pulleys or act as a cable pulley to provide the benefit of dynamic resistance. It is like to put a normal weight plate on, but with the benefit of a dynamic load resistance.

It will be also possible to show the user different parameters like repetitions, speed, acceleration, elapsed time in general and in each phase and loaded curve via display on the system or via app on the smartphone. It may be possible to control and adjust the system via smartphone or any other portable device.

Different exercise modes may be employed using a system of the invention:

Pure Eccentrics: The barbell is only exerted with an additional load in the eccentric movement of the exercise. So, the user has more (adjustable via Display and/or buttons) resistance during eccentric than in the concentric phase of the movement. The advantages of eccentric accentuated training are investigated well and are not described further. Furthermore, the additional load in the eccentric phase can be constant as well as variable (from zero to maximum) at any point or at any time and for any time in the movement, for example, to load the muscles in an optimized way. How strong a muscle is, depends among other factors on the muscle length. Therefore, the strength of the muscle depends on the position of the barbell, by what the load applied to the barbell should be changed during the movement to get maximum power output of the muscles.

Isometric Hold: The invention may produce a certain load at a certain point for a certain time in the movement to create a maximum isometric contraction of the muscles. The user can adjust as many points in the movement as he wants where a certain load should be applied for a certain time (possibly adjustable via display). It may be tuned through a calibration process, where the values can be regulated automatically or manually. A maximum isometric contraction leads to a better activation of the motor units through the central nervous system. The advantage of the present invention is that the movement can go on after the time of the isometric hold is over, and therefore a more functional movement is provided which leads to better neural and structural adaptions. It is for example usable for “sticking point” problems in an exercise.

Optimized strength curve: In a natural movement such as the squat with a regular barbell and regular weight plates the muscles are not optimally loaded, as they have more potential in different positions. The device of the invention can provide optimal loading in each movement direction (concentric and eccentric) by calculating the optimal forces throughout the range of motion, particularly by means of the length sensor comes into play, and normalized values such as exercise and specific muscles. The range of motion is known via a calibration process, where the user performs several proper repetitions. If the ECU knows the range of motion it also required parameters like which exercise is performed (and how it is performed, like narrow stand or wide stand) and how much weight is put on the barbell. Also, parameters like body length (short legs, long torso or short torso and long legs and others) can be chosen to yield best results. There may also be an option where the user can choose the strength curve (standard, bottom loaded, top loaded etc.). If all parameters are adjusted appropriately the barbell is dynamically and automatically loaded during movement.

Optimized hypertrophy: To maximize hypertrophy stimulus there are lots of intensity techniques in world of strength training and bodybuilding. For example, drop sets are used to get more reps out of one set, which stimulates maximum hypertrophy by decreasing weight after the initial set. The solution according to the present invention is to monitor the bar speed, particularly via length sensor calculation or acceleration sensor. If the bar speed drops to a certain point for a certain time the invention can reduce the load individually and dynamically to provide the most stimulus for hypertrophy ever felt. It could also be possible to regulate it manually via remote control.

Optimized jumping: To get maximum jumping height at loaded jump drills it is possible to overload the eccentric (which can lead to supramaximal accumulation of kinetic energy through the eccentric phase) as well as the concentric phase for any time at any time and at any point of the movement. When the eccentric is done fast and loaded and suddenly on the bottom point short bevor jumping goes into the concentric phase, the system can reduce the resistance clearly to get maximum muscle power output. Caused of strong stretch reflex and other matters of the central nervous system to produce such higher forces, which would not be possible without the present invention.

Optimized exercise training for individuals: This function is almost the same as the above described optimized strength curve. The difference here is that the curve is calculated in a calibration process for each athlete individually by detecting differences in bar speed. To do that the calibration is indeed different than before, because the user has to do a maximal working set. So, the device of the present invention determines at each barbell position each weakness or strength (at maximal working sets) and therefore the resistance can be changed at any time for any time dynamically to get maximum results, which would not be possible with any other system in free weight exercises.

Optimized eccentric stretch: It is known that eccentric loaded stretching is an effective method to lengthen a muscle well. With regular training equipment it is not possible to only overload the eccentric phase. The invention provides such a stretching program and may adjust each repetition so that the muscle is loaded always in maximum length. The system determines when to switch off the eccentric load via barbell speed and/or time adjustments via display.

Instability training: Because of the possibility to control each motor control unit separately, forces can be applied unsymmetrically to the barbell which would lead to an unstable system, where the muscles of the athlete has to settle it. This can be done throughout the movement at any time at any load for a certain time.

Manual dynamic load: The user can adjust the load individually by entering the parameter for the specific time and/or for the specific range (dependent on length sensor) at any point in the movement. For example, the user wants only to overload the upper portion of the lift. Then the user can adjust the load, the phase (so eccentric or concentric or both) and the range of motion (100% of ROM, 50% of ROM, 10% ROM etc.) in which the load should be present. He can adjust the parameters for each % of the ROM individually. When he has entered all the parameters, he gets the dynamic loaded curve in training as he adjusted it.

Other features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the drawings and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

The present invention will be described below by means of exemplary embodiments which are not meant to limit the scope of the claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the first embodiment of a device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a device according to the present invention.

If not designated differently, the drawings show: exercise equipment 1, driving means 2, first driving means 2′, second driving means 2″, control means 3, attachment means 4, connection means 5, load sensor 6, first load unit 7′, second load unit 7″, data transfer unit 8, elastic element 9, guide rail 10, trolley 11, trolley drive 12, tilt sensor 13, free length 14, drive shaft 15, guide means 16, length sensor 17, wire rope 18, wheel 19, handle 20, holding rack 21, bench 22, weight element 23, travel distance 24.

FIGS. 1 and 2 , which are described together, show schematic views of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention. The device is equipped with a barbell as exercise equipment 1.

The device comprises two separate load units 7′, 7″. Each of the load units 7′, 7″ is equipped with a separate driving means 2′, 2″, wherein each driving means is a motor which is adapted to apply a certain load to the exercise equipment 1. The connection between the driving means 2′, 2″ to the exercise equipment 1 is achieved using connection means 5. In this embodiment, the connection means comprise a rope, having essentially non-elastic properties, as well as an elastic element 9 made of rubber material. The elastic element 9 provides a more realistic feel when a person is using the device of the invention. In other embodiments, the elastic element 9 may not be provided.

Each of the connection means 5 is connected to a position near the ends of the barbell by an attachment means 4, which may be a hook connection or any other suitable, preferably detachable, connection.

A load sensor 6 is placed on each connection means 5 in order to measure the load that is applied to the exercise equipment 1. The load sensors 6 are communicating with a control means 3. In this embodiment, the load sensors 6 are resistance strain gauges.

In order to determine the free length 14 of the connection means 5, the device further comprises a length sensor 17. The length sensor 17 is connected to a connection means 5 in the area of a load sensor 6 by means of a spring loaded wire rope. The free length 14 is derived from the length sensor 17. In this embodiment, the spring loaded wire rope will shorten with a lower free length 14. In other embodiments, the length sensor may operate in other way suitable to determine the free length of the connection means 5, for example through optical, inductive, or capacitive sensors.

The free length 14 in particular designates the available length of the connection means 5 for connection of the exercise equipment 1 with the device of the invention. The free length 14 usually is less than the total length of the connection means 5 as part of the connection means may be secured in the device of the present invention, such as in the present invention by means of a drive shaft 15.

The drive shaft 15 is driven by the driving means 2′, 2″ and the free length 14 of the connection means 5 may be adjusted by winding the rope on or unwinding the rope from the drive shaft.

The connection means 5 is attached to a trolley 11, which can particularly be seen in FIG. 2 .

Each load unit 7′, 7″ further comprises a data transfer unit 8 operating by means of a wireless data transfer protocol, such that the load units 7′, 7″ may communicate without being in mechanical connection with each other. This makes transport and adaption to different exercise situations of the device easier. In other embodiments, a tethered connection between the load units 7′, 7″ may be provided.

In order to allow mechanical stability, each of the load units 7′, 7″ in this embodiment has a weight of approx. 40-50 kg. In order to allow easy transport, wheels 19 and a handle 20 are provided.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention. The exercise equipment 1 is also a barbell.

Similarly to the first embodiment described above, the device comprises driving means 2, connection means 5, attachment means 4, and control means 3. These elements operate essentially the same way as described for the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the driving means 2 is provided on the left side, which is separated from the right side where the control means 3, the load sensor 6 and the length sensor 17 are located. This arrangement may reduce noises.

The connection means 5 in this embodiment is a rope which is guided by guide means 16. The device is additionally equipped with a trolley 11, which is freely movable along the guide rail 10 so that the connection means 5 between the trolley 11 and the exercise equipment 1 is in an essentially vertical position. However, depending on the particular exercise, also other positions may be desirable. For that the trolley may be fixed in certain positions along the guide rail 10 via fixing means.

It is also possible to control the trolley 11 via the trolley drive 12 on the guide rail. The trolley drive 12 is in connection with the control means 3. The trolley drive 12 may adjust the position of the trolley 11 according to the measurement of the tilt sensor 13, which in this embodiment is a gyroscope sensor. The tilt sensor is as well communicating with the control means 3.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of a device according to the present invention. This embodiment will particularly be used to describe the methods of the present invention. The third embodiment may for example employ a device as shown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Therefore, details of the device will not be described in connection with this third embodiment.

In this embodiment, the exercise equipment 1 is again a barbell equipped with weight elements 23. The total weight of the barbell is approx. 80 kg. In a resting position (not shown), the barbell may be placed and securely held on a holding rack 21. In order to perform an exercise, a user will lie on their back on a bench 22. In order to start an exercise, the user will remove the barbell from the holding rack 21 to bring the barbell into a second use position, where the user's arms are essentially straight. The second use position is depicted with solid lines. Subsequently, the user will lower the barbell into a first use position. The first use position of the exercise equipment is depicted with dashed lines. Then, the user will bring back the barbell up into the second use position, or a position which substantially corresponds to the second use position. Lowering the barbell down from second to first use position and again up to the second use position may be referred to as an exercise cycle. An exercise cycle may be repeated several times. After completing the desired number of exercise cycles, the barbell may again be placed in the holding rack 21.

A resting position of the exercise equipment 1 may be referred to as a position in which the barbell is held in the holding rack 21.

The method of the present invention according to this embodiment comprises a calibration step. In the calibration step, the user performs a number of exercise cycles without load or with only little load sufficiently to tension the rope being exerted to the exercise equipment 1 by the driving means 2. This particularly means that in the calibration step, the load the user feels is only determined by the weight of the barbell.

In the calibration step, the travel distance 24 of the exercise equipment 1 between the first and second use positions is determined, as well as first use, second use position and resting position. The travel distance 24 particularly equals the difference of the free length 14 of the connection means 5 in the first and second use positions.

In this embodiment, five exercise cycles can be performed, wherein the travel distance 24 is determined for every exercise cycle. Subsequently, a mean value of multiple travel distances 24 may be calculated such that variations can be compensated for.

After completion of the calibration step, the actual exercise step may be initiated. The exercise step in particular comprises applying an additional load to the exercise equipment 1 by the driving means 2. The load may be applied to the exercise equipment 1 during any suitable time of one or more exercise cycles.

For example, load can be applied when the user lifts the barbell from the first use position to the second use position, i.e. during concentric movement. Load can also be applied when the user lowers the barbell from the second use position to the first use position, i.e. during eccentric movement.

The applied load may be constant or variable over one exercise cycle. In one example, an additional load of approx. 20 kg is applied to the barbell during the eccentric portion of the exercise cycle. This means that when lifting the barbell, it weighs approx. 80 kg, without any additional load. When lowering the barbell, it weighs approx. 100 kg.

The control means 3 of the device may forward information an output means, for example a display, in order to guide the user through the steps of the method of the invention. The output means may comprise visual, acoustic, and/or tactile output means.

Additionally, an input means may be provided such that the user can select different exercise modes or that adjustments can be performed. 

1. Device for applying a load to an exercise equipment (1) comprising driving means (2), control means (3) adapted to control the driving means (2), attachment means (4) adapted to attach the device to the exercise equipment (1), and connection means (5) connecting the driving means (2) to the attachment means (4), characterized in that the device comprises a load sensor (6), wherein the load sensor (6) is adapted to measure the load applied to the exercise equipment (1) by the driving means (2), and wherein the load sensor (6) is connected to the control means (3).
 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises two driving means (2, 2′, 2″), two connection means (5), and optionally two attachment means (4).
 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that a first driving means (2′) is provided in a first load unit (7′), and that a second driving means (2″) is provided in a second load unit (7″), wherein the first load unit (7′) and the second load unit (7″) are separate from each other.
 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that each load unit (7′, 7″) has a weight of more than 40 kg, preferably of more than 100 kg, and/or that each load unit (7′, 7″) is provided with fastening means for fastening the drive element to a surface.
 5. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that each connection means (5) is provided with a load sensor (6).
 6. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and second load units (7′, 7″) each comprise a data transfer unit (8), adapted to send and/or receive data to/from the data transfer unit (8) of the other load unit (7′, 7″).
 7. (canceled)
 8. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first load unit (7′) and the second load unit (7″) are mechanically connected to each other by means of a fixing element.
 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the fixing element is embodied in the form of a base plate, in particular adapted for a user to stand on.
 10. (canceled)
 11. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection means (5) comprises an elastic element (9), in particular a rubber element, or a spring element.
 12. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the driving means (2) comprises a guide rail (10) and a trolley (11) movable along the guide rail, wherein the connection means (5) is guided from the driving means (2) to the attachment means via the trolley.
 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the trolley (11) comprises a trolley drive (12), wherein the trolley drive (12) is operable by the control means (3).
 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the trolley (11) is freely movable along the guide rail (10).
 15. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the trolley (11) is fixable along the guide rail (10) by fastening means.
 16. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the device comprises a tilt sensor (13) adapted to determine the tilt of the attachment means (4), wherein the tilt sensor (13) is connected to the control means (3), characterized in that the control means (3) is adapted to control the position of the trolley (11) via the trolley drive (12) based on the data received from the tilt sensor (13).
 17. (canceled)
 18. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the driving means (2) is adapted to adjust the free length (14) of the connection means (5) by winding the connection means (5) over a drive shaft (15) and/or by unwinding the connection means from the drive shaft (15).
 19. (canceled)
 20. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a length sensor (17) adapted to measure a free length (14) of the connection means (5).
 21. (canceled)
 22. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the length sensor (17) is a resistive mechanical length sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a torque sensor, or a height sensor.
 23. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the load sensor (6) and the length sensor (17) are provided in one sensor element.
 24. System comprising a device according to claim 1 and an exercise equipment (1).
 25. (canceled)
 26. Method of operating a device, in particular a device according to claim 1, characterized in that the method comprises controlling driving means by a control means, measuring the load exerted by a driving means to an exercise equipment by a load sensor during an exercise cycle. 27.-40. (canceled) 